Reilly has worked at Red C Research for almost two decades, with Mooney, who co-founded the company in 2003, retiring as Irish managing director but remaining in a consultancy role.

The appointment comes with the announcement of a new Red C senior management team in Ireland, with Reilly joined by Conor Murphy, Bryan Cox, Ciara Clarke and Shaun Fourie.

Fourie, who has more than 16 years’ experience in the market research industry in South Africa, has been appointed head of operations of Red C Ireland, following the departure of Michelle Lowry from the business.

Murphy has been promoted to deputy managing director, having previously worked senior director at Red C Research for the past 10 years, and before that for Millward Brown/Kantar in Ireland.

Cox, who has also worked in the business for 20 years, will continue his role in the senior management team, while Ciara Clarke has been promoted to the senior management team. 

The team in Ireland will also continue to work closely with the senior management of the Red C UK businesses, including joint managing directors Richard Barton and Charlotte Butterworth, and Simon Thompson, managing director at Relish Research.

Co-founder Richard Colwell will continue as Red C Group chief executive, overseeing operations across both the Irish and UK businesses.

Colwell said: “While we will of course miss Sinead, I am delighted we have been able to promote from within the Red C family, and I look forward to supporting the next generation with Ciara Reilly taking the helm, along with Conor Murphy, Bryan Cox and Ciara Clarke and their management and growth plans for the business over the coming years.” 

Mooney added: “It has been a privilege to lead and grow Red C over the past 22 years. 

“I am proud of what we have achieved and confident that the new leadership team will continue to drive the company forward with the same dedication to excellence.”

(Pictured from left to right: Ciara Clarke, Bryan Cox, Richard Colwell, Ciara Reilly, Shaun Fourie and Conor Murphy)